Devine Scripture

Psalms 22:14

What does Psalms 22:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 22:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 22:14 means

The psalmist describes his physical and emotional collapse with vivid imagery. He feels as though his strength is completely drained, like water poured out. His bones are dislocated, signifying immense physical pain and helplessness. His heart, the seat of his emotions and vitality, has melted into a state of utter despair, like wax. This verse powerfully conveys his complete physical and mental disintegration under the weight of his suffering.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am flowing away like water, and all my bones are out of place: my heart is like wax, it has become soft in my body.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

As waters I have been poured out, And separated themselves have all my bones, My heart hath been like wax, It is melted in the midst of my bowels.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is become like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

Context

Following the external descriptions of his enemies' aggression in verses 12-13, this verse shifts focus inward, graphically detailing the psalmist's physical and emotional deterioration. It provides a stark picture of his bodily pain and inner despair, reinforcing the extreme nature of his suffering and underscoring the urgency of his earlier plea for God's help.

v.13They gape upon me with their mouth, Asa ravening and a roaring lion.

v.14This passage

v.15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 12:27

    Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour.

  • Psalms 31:10

    For my life is spent with sorrow, And my years with sighing: My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, And my bones are wasted away.

  • Luke 22:44

    And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

  • Psalms 68:2

    As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: As wax melteth before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

  • Joshua 7:5

    And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men; and they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them at the descent: and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

  • Mark 14:33

    And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled.

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